We are from the Boston area and haven't been to Disney World in almost 5 years. What we would like to do is fly to Ft. Meyers March 01, 2000 (visit friends) and then drive to Orlando. We would then spend 5 days (4 nights) at the Boardwalk. Any suggestions on costs, plans of action, and schedule ? We look to stay at Boardwalk with a "parking lot view". Thanks so much,....Jake & Sue

I have never stayed at Boardwalk, but have visited it a couple of times. We are finally staying there next month and can't wait. Rates usually start at $264 per night, but with my Magic Kingdom Club discount, we got a rate of $204/night for a standard view. You must visit Jellyrolls one night. Also Spoodles is a pretty good restaurant. Besides all the things to do, the great benefit of Boardwalk is that it is in walking distance to Epcot. Another poster on this forum, Julie, has stayed there and probably has good info. Where are you, Julie? Oh, and if you haven't been to Disney in 5 years, be prepared for a lot of new things.

I my opinion the Boeadwalk is the 2nd best Disney hotel behind the Floridian. As Ilisa said the Boardwalk is close(very) to EPCOT and also has better resturant options. Be sure to hit all of the parks including the "new" Animal Kingdom. Be prepared for creowds as March is the start of Spring Break and this is the Mellinium!
Have fun!(Like you can't at WDW)

Ilisa & Scott, thanks for the info. Our last stay was at the Floridian (prior was Polynesian). What I am really looking for, because we usually get a Delta/Disney package, is the least expensive way to go to Ft. Meyers/Orlando, etc. without a package and minimize costs. We love the EPCOT proximity but is the $264
the lowest rate available at Boardwalk ?
Also, we agree it would be likely impossible to not have a ball at WDW...Jake

Sorry, I also meant to ask: is the $264 per person per night ?...or is that just the room ? How much is a Magic Kingdom card and is it feasible if you only go every 4 - 5 years ? Thanks again.

The $264 is the room rate per night. The MKC card can be obtained two ways. 1) if you work for an organization or company that has 500 or more employees, they may offer it as a free benefit. That is how I got mine. Check with HR if this applies to you or 2) purchased for $65. I posted the phone number on another post recently. Besides a 10% discount throughout Disney, it can be used at any Disney store in the country. So, if you go to the Disney store a lot, it would be worth it.

Jake-

Haven't actually stayed at the Boardwalk, but we really enjoyed the surrounding restaraunts and attractions.

Make sure you eat at the flying fish, but grab a seat at the end of the bar- you get to catch all the action in the kitchen, and maybe some samples...

Also, try to look for the "comic routine" outside of jellyrolls in the late afternoon. Funny performers/interaction with the crowds and kids.

Hope this helps...

If you own stock in Disney and tell them that when you call the 800 #, the magic kingdom card only costs $50.

If you own stock in Disney and tell them that when you call the 800 #, the magic kingdom card only costs $50.

Also check out Deb Wills unofficial WDW info site - www.wdwig.com, this will help you plan which attractions to put on your must-see list & give you info about early opening days, e-ticket (late) nights, etc.

I'm also from Boston, and we stayed at the Boardwalk with our 2 children last year and loved it. My parents also went with us, their room overlooked the little waterway and the boats that travel back and forth to MGM and Epcot, my mother loved sitting on her porch watching the boats go by. We had a wonderful suite with a master bedroom, kitchen, washer/dryer, huge bathroom, and living room with pull out sofa where the kids slept. We looked out on the pool with a slide built to look like a roller coaster. All this for around $300/night in early Feb (the slowest season)with a Magic Kingdom Club card. Check out the savings the card would bring you during March by calling Disney, I got mine thru my company for free, but I'd buy it if I had to, it's a great savings. It also gets you a small discount off the passes. Transportation from Boardwalk to Epcot (walk, don't wait for the boat)and MGM (boat) is great, it's a little tougher to get to MK and Animal Kingdom.

Thank you so much one and all. A couple of quick questions. Can I get the Magic Kingdom Club Card at a Disney Store as I am near one in Framingham? Does anyone have any ideas on saving on the Flight to Ft. Meyers and then coming home from Orlando after the WDW stay ?

Here I am!! I just got back from the Boardwalk!! We stayed a week in a studio villa and loved it!! I have an Annual Passholder ticket (allows unlimited passes for one year to 4 parks) and got an AP rate of $171 a night for our room, which is a great rate for the Villas. The Boardwalk is one of my favorite Disney hotels. The BW area is great for walking over to EPCOT and just walking around the boardwalk. Jelly Rolls is a definite MUST DO. (Did it twice this trip)

The new Millenium Illuminations and Tapestry of Nations at EPCOT are truly fabulous!! We saw it twice and loved it.

If you are looking for a lower priced resort, then you could select one of the "moderate" hotels such as Port Orleans. Their rate with discount would be more around $110-$120. I've stayed at the Port Orleans and enjoyed my stay there. You pay more for the good location at the Boardwalk but the rooms aren't that different.

No matter where you end up, be sure that you like your room -- don't be afraid to tell them you're not satisfied with your room -- this last trip I had requested non-smoking and when we checked in to our room it stunk worse than a seedy bar after new year's eve party! I called the front desk and after a short wait the bellman came and moved us to a different room (actually an upgrade to pool view). They do really try to please everyone.

Most of all ENJOY YOURSELF!!